SOLA Future Energy, the company responsible for installing Robben Island’s solar power system, has been selected as a finalist in the Vision 2030 Awards. The awards recognise organisations, enterprises and individuals that are aligned with the government’s Nine-Point Plan to boost economic growth, and the National Development Plan (NDP).

“We are ecstatic to be a finalist in the energy category,” says Dom Wills, CEO of SOLA Future Energy. “We aim to boost economic prosperity in South Africa through clean and affordable energy.”

SOLA Future Energy has installed more than 25 MW of solar PV capacity on large buildings and ground-mounted structures, which in total produces around 40 000 000 kWh of renewable electricity. Since adopting a green energy system, Robben Island has already produced 650 000 kWh of solar energy, which has reduced its reliance on diesel generators.

According to Wills, the company is assisting businesses to adopt cheaper, cleaner energy by providing a private solution that can work in combination with, or independent of, the state utility. “SOLA Future Energy is enabling the realisation of the NDP’s vision from an economic infrastructure and environmental sustainability perspective through our commitment to providing African businesses with affordable solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery systems. Solar PV systems lead to notable reductions in carbon emissions, thus furthering the NDP’s goal of environmental sustainability.”

Ryland Fisher, Editorial Director at Topco Media, which is involved in facilitating the Vision 2030 Awards, says the event helps connect business and government by identifying and sharing best practices of leading companies and organisations that have implemented successful development and investment projects. The winners will be announced on 21 June 2018.